Missouri defensive end and NFL prospect Michael Sam says he’s gay

Missouri senior defensive lineman Michael Sam speaks to the media during an NCAA college football news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, in Irving, Texas. Missouri takes on Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday in Arlington, Texas.
Brandon Wade — AP

University of Missouri’s Michael Sam announced he was gay in interviews with several media outlets Sunday.

The All-America defensive end spoke to ESPN, The New York Times and Outsports, telling them he is “an openly, proud gay man.

Sam, who could become the first openly gay player in the NFL, said he came out to his teammates and coaches at Missouri in August during a team-building exercise.

He says: “It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be ... I want to be a football player in the NFL.”

The 255-pound Sam participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., last month after leading the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (19), and he is projected to be a mid-round NFL draft pick. The AP named Sam the SEC defensive player of the year. Sam’s teammates voted him Missouri’s most valuable player after the season.

No NFL player has ever announced he’s gay during his pro career. A handful of players, like former Vikings defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo, have come out after retiring.